Longmont Clinic

Overview Health Services Health Library Forms and Instructions Classes & Programs Is Your Child Sick? News & Announcements

Visualization of some parts of the body will require the use of contrast which may be given orally and/or intravenously (through a vein in your arm).

IF YOU HAVE A HISTORY OF AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO IODINE, CONTACT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE THE SCAN FOR PREMEDICATION. YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO UNDERGO YOUR CT SCAN WITH IV CONTRACT IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN PRE-MEDICATED

Do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours before your scan if you are having IV and/or oral contrast.

If you are receiving oral contrast, you will need to arrive at the Clinic one hour prior to the exam. This allows you time to check in at admissions, and drink the oral contrast. You will be required to drink 2 - 12 oz glasses in 15 minutes.

If you are having Intravenous Contrast and

You are a diabetic
You are 60 or older
You have a history of renal insufficiency
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
You have only one kidney

You will need to have lab work done before your CT Scan.

The test you will need will be for creatinine function. This must be available for the CT department 24 - 48 hours prior to the exam. If you have already had blood drawn in the lab, the Creatinine must be no more than 30 days old.

If you are a diabetic taking Metformin, you will be asked to discontinue taking your Metformin for 48 hours after being administered IV contrast. Then you will need to have your Creatinine redrawn. DO NOT START YOUR METFORMIN AGAIN UNTIL YOUR DOCTOR CALLS WITH YOUR RESULTS.

During your scan with the IV Contrast, you may have a metallic taste in your mouth and a warm feeling in your body. These are all normal feelings.

After your CT Scan with IV contrast, you will need to drink plenty of water for the next 24 - 48 hours.

For your convenience, please wear comfortable clothing that does not have ZIPPERS, METAL BUTTONS OR SNAPS.

Most exams will take 15 - 30 minutes following your oral preparation.